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PSG coach Luis Enrique admitted their 4-0 win over Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami was tougher than it seemed.
Lionel Messi in action against PSG (AP)
PSG head coach Luis Enrique admitted that defeating Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami side was more difficult than their 4-0 Club World Cup last-16 scoreline suggested.
Joao Neves opened the scoring early for PSG, who then added three more goals before halftime, building a commanding lead. Despite the deficit, Messi led a spirited second-half performance from Miami, who pushed hard but couldn’t find a breakthrough.
“It is difficult to play against players of this calibre,” said Enrique. “It was difficult, but I think as a team we did an excellent job. There’s a visible difference between the first and second halves. Their quality is evident, and I think we deserved the victory. It was harder than it may seem after the first half.”
PSG Eyes Historic Season
The Spanish manager highlighted PSG’s current form, having won the Champions League, Ligue 1, and French Cup to complete their first-ever treble.
“Clearly, we are experiencing a historic season for our club,” he said. “We aim to go far in this competition. We are in the quarter-finals now, only eight teams remain. Our goal is to progress as far as possible and compete for the trophy. But we still need to get through two more knockout rounds. It’s a long season for every team, but our motivation to stay competitive is strong.”
Emotional Reunion for PSG Players
Ousmane Dembélé expressed his happiness at reuniting with Messi and several of his former Barcelona teammates, including Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Javier Mascherano.
“Leo is a unique person. Sharing a game with him was magnificent,” said PSG defender Lucas Beraldo. “I was a kid watching his magic on television, so it’s unique.”
Inter Miami coach Mascherano said he was pleased with his team’s performance at the tournament despite their eventual thrashing by PSG.
“We achieved the goal we had set for ourselves, we were very aware that we could compete up to a certain level, and today reality has shown that,” Mascherano told reporters.
“PSG is in great form, champions of everything, but people still pay for a ticket to see Leo Messi, even at 38 years old,” added Mascherano.
(with AFP inputs)
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term…Read More
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term… Read More
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